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Gossip Girl Season Premiere Review: "Belles Du Jour"

Beginning in an exotic locale in the aftermath of the previous season finale, "Belles Du Jour" continued the trend of seasons two and three, but was superior for several reasons.

First, the Parisian setting marked new territory for the show, specifically for Blair and Serena. For the former, it's a part of her legacy. For the latter, a part of her transition.

The episode did a terrific job of picking up the pieces from last May and charting a course for the new season, splitting time between picturesque Paris and the familiar UES.

For S, that meant turning the page. For B, living with the pain of what Chuck did. Despite being in a place she cherishes so much, the queen still feels out of her element.

That's because the devastation of Chuck's actions still lingers, and despite her best efforts, she can't shake him ... or the fact that she feels trapped in Serena's shadow.

The revelation that S is going to Columbia now certainly didn't help matters.

These two will always be close, but will always be at odds. It's a complex friendship, and we love watching it evolve, especially when it involves the occasional dip in a fountain.

As for Chuck, we learn that he survived the Prague shooting, but what happened this summer remains shrouded in mystery. He has a new companion, Eva, and goes by Henry.

Does he have amnesia? Or has he assumed, subconsciously or otherwise, a new persona, aided by someone who isn't used to his world, and someone who won't judge him?

It was great, in a way, to see so little of Ed Westwick this week. It made his scenes all the more powerful, and added to the intrigue of Henry, Eva and their new life together.

Next week, we'll learn the truth when Chuck's whereabouts alarm Lily and Serena, and Blair will reunite with him in the City of Light, confronting the man who broke her heart.

Meanwhile, in New York, Nate is taking a page from Chuck’s book - literally - to numb his pain. Except thumbing through the little black Bass book isn't really doing it for him.

It takes a chance run-in with Juliet Sharp (guest star Katie Cassidy) to make him realize that he's not over Serena. We could tell immediately that Juliet has her own agenda.

The question is what. There's chemistry between them, but is it all part of some devious plan to ruin Nate ... or Serena? The final shot of Juliet's bulletin board was awesome.

We thought for a split second that she just might be Gossip Girl herself. While that might be a stretch, Juliet is clearly plotting something elaborate and we're hooked on her.

On the Humphrey front, Jenny is in Hudson, having been banished and/or having fled for her after thwarting Chair's engagement and stabbing about a million fans in the gut.

Dan might wish he could run away. He's LIVING WITH GEORGINA and her baby, who she says is his, and Dan sure acts like he's Milo's dad - although there has been no test.

The fact he's going along with this, and kept it secret from everyone until Vanessa eventually busted him, is dubious to say the least. Does he simply not want to know the truth?

Either way, his sleep-deprived interactions with V provided some of the night's comic relief, and watching disheveled Dan try to keep up his facade and care for Milo is hilarious.

We also can't forget this is Georgina Sparks. Her manipulative powers are well documented. It's still unclear if the baby is a Humphrey, and her actions are beyond suspicious.

Remember how Blair, Dorota and Vanya had her shipped off to Eastern Europe? Well, at one point G has a strange phone conversation in a different language when she's alone.

She is so shady and we love it so hard.

It will be difficult to top three big mysteries set in motion, the introduction of Katie Cassidy and healthy doses of humor and Parisian fashion, but hopefully this is just the beginning of a terrific fourth season. Travail bien fait, Gossip Girl.

What did you think of the Gossip Girl season premiere? What do you think will happen next? Comment below, and vote in our survey if you haven't already ...

OMG, it was so awesome.It was pretty good!Eh, just so-so.Not a big fan.WTH?!

Hey Trish! "people, you who are asking for links, you are just so stupit!" Your stupidity alone just made my day, Patricia. Anyway it never even occurred to me that Chuck doesn't necessarily have to have amnesia! I love coming here to read your guys' comments. There's always SOMETHING I've overlooked or never saw.

ex-fan•September 17, 2010 03:24

somehow previsible i didn't like the premier at all, but neither did i like 3x1. season 3 was all in all such a huge disappointment, that my interest for this show practically disappeared for good. it was all boring to me, the way blair was characterized as a stupid bitch, only for the sake of ridiculous elements, the georgina/dan sl, the soapy and unrealistic incidently happened rendez-vous between nate and juliet, not to talk about completely uninteresting vanessa... not too much interested in any upcoming episodes and i truly doubt to be the only person. there's a reason for the low number of comments!this season is gossip girls last season. let's bet!

BJ•September 15, 2010 10:38

The Scarf made an appearance!

evangeline•September 15, 2010 10:25

Dan with the baby was hilarious.Georgina is the one who made Dan's scenes a little bit better.Nate finally has his own interesting storyline other than Serena and Blair.Paris was very good and saved the premiere.Because there was no Chair.Otherwise it would be so much boring.Blair with the ugly childish prince..ewwwwww.....Blair 's immature bitchiness.I guess I will never understand her immature behaviours.As always she is the social climber who has a thing for power because she is lack of self confidence and always trying to stick some powerful things like princes social elite clubs.Chairless episode was a waste of time.At least Paris scenes were good.I am waiting for next weeks episode.Think it will be better than this because it will contain some intense Chair moments.I hope the writers can fix Chair in a better way.I think I didn't like the show without them.The other characters were seriously boring comparing to Chair.They need to come back and be the hottest couple again.

Wow, amazin Paris,the fashion, Dan and Milo , even rufly was upgrade, didn't miss or need Jenny! Eigther, I do prefer Georgina in her place, maybe after Taylor kick her self off the show we can get Michelle, and the chuck flashes ... Well done.. See writers can do it better, !Can't wait to ep 2!Is it me or serena's hair too simpleand flat?Not her best. But maybe is the french heat.

marie•September 15, 2010 00:17

OMG I MISSED THE PREMIERE!!!! how can i watch it online??????????????????????????? HELP !!!! :'(

tati•September 14, 2010 20:04

Oops, and Georgina? Looks like she was taking off for more than a spa visit...

Serena: So what does it say about Chuck?Blair: I couldn't be less interested. Serena gives her a look. No new posts. He's been MIA since he left town this spring.Serena: What does it say about us?Blair: "Ooh la la! Paris is burning and Serena and Blair lit the match." Of course your flame is hotter than mine. Everyone knows that the only guy who's been in my pants all summer is the tailor at Pierre Balmain.Serena: And whose fault is that? B, just as many guys have flirted with you. I just happen to have a thing for French waiters.Blair: And bartenders. And museum docents. Anyone on a Vespa or bicycle. Or wearing Zadig & Voltaire.